Scouting Safely

Special AED Limited-Time OfferOur AED program supporter, Cardiac Science, has created a promotion for BSA local councils and units to support the ongoing effort to help reduce cardiac fatalities.

Weaver Popcorn Voluntary RecallWeaver Popcorn Company is making a voluntary recall of products containing peanuts, some of which may have been sold in your council. Councils should post the Weaver statement to their Web site or otherwise make it available to units, and encourage them to follow the instructions in the statement.

AEDs Available to Councils and Units As reported in the Spring 2008 Health and Safety Newsletter, only 21 percent of council offices and 58 percent of council camps have automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in place to be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. We are working to make 100 percent coverage a reality for your offices and camps as well as making AEDs available for units and community service projects.

Norovirus FAQNoroviruses cause stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, complete with nausea, vomiting, diahrrea, and stomach cramping. The Center for Disease Control recommends frequent hand washings and a thorough cleansing and disenfecting of contaminated surfaces after an episode. Do what you can to keep camp attendees safe.

Paintball Is Prohibited In Scouting!A paintball that hits the eyeball can result in severe injury to the eye or even blindness. Three deaths have been noted between 2002 and 2005 from paintball gun equipment.

Traditional CPR Technique Still OfficialThe much-discussed compression-only (or "hands-only") CPR technique may be suitable for some situations, but it is not an all-encompassing method for every CPR-related circumstance.

West Nile VirusTo help protect Scouts, Scouters, and camp staff against the threat of West Nile Virus, the BSA advocates a two-pronged program directed at mosquito reduction and personal protection.

The Boy Scouts of America has nearly a century of experience conducting high-adventure outdoor activities in a manner that is safe for all participants. The following resources and information are provided to enable adult leaders and youth to help us maintain our impeccable safety record.

General Resources

The best way to stay safe in the outdoors is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. That requires planning, training, leadership, good judgment, and accepting responsibility—in short, risk management.

As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activity, the BSA National Health & Safety Committee have developed 16 points that embody good judgement and common sense for all activities.

Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America's recommended procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower.

Annual Health and Medical Record [Prints on single 8.5 x 11 sheets][Prints on 11 x 17 sheets] - The one health and medical record for your use. Replaces former Class 1, 2, and 3 forms, which will be phased out in 2009. The use of the new form, No. 34605, will be required effective January 1, 2010, as well as for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

Immunization Information – Updated (October 2008) immunization policy and support information. The Boy Scouts of America encourages all members of the Scouting community to become fully protected with vaccines that are now available to prevent infectious diseases that are dangerous for children and adults living in the United States.